15 Hawaii Big Island Waterfalls to See and Swim
Looking for Big Island waterfalls on your next Hawaiian trip?
Waterfalls are on everyone’s bucket list when visiting the Big Island and for good reason. The Big Island is home to arguably Hawaii’s best waterfalls. Some are a park-and-look and some require different levels of hiking.
I lived on the Big Island for a year and saw A LOT of waterfalls, some that most don’t even know about.
In this post you’ll find:
- Swimmable waterfalls
- Secret waterfall
- Where to sleep by waterfalls
My Go-To Big Island Travel Planning Resources
🚗 The best car rental prices I’ve found are from Discount Hawaii Car Rental!
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⚠️ WORD OF WISDOM: Use common sense when attempting to swim or boulder hop near waterfalls. Flash floods can occur without warning. Never swim after a rainstorm or in brown water.
1. Akaka Falls
Easy hiking
Admission Fee: yes
Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables
One of the most popular Big Island waterfalls is Akaka Falls.
Pay your entrance fee at the Diamond parking meters by phone or with a credit card.
✨ Tab’s Trip Tip: if you park on the shoulder of the road just outside the parking lot you can avoid the $10 parking fee.
The hike to the falls is only a 0.4-mile loop. The easy path is paved with steps, so not handicap accessible.
You’ll walk through lush, tropical foliage until you see the plunging falls after you crest a hill.
Akaka plunges 442 feet down a mossy cliff into a small pool below. Gaze at its beauty at the chainlink fence or under a pavilion if it’s raining. Placards tell you about the history and science of the falls.
Coming back to the entrance you’ll pass over two small bridges with quaint waterfalls hiding in the foliage.
2. Hi’ilawe Falls (plus possibly Kaluahine Falls and Waiulili Falls)
Important Note: As of February 2022, the road to Waipio Valley is indefinitely closed to tourists except by guided tours due to unsafe road conditions.
Difficult hiking
Admission: Free
Amenities: None
Hi’ilawe Falls sits back in Waipi’o Valley and is the tallest waterfall on the Big Island, dropping at about 1,400ft. You can’t get up to the waterfall unless you find a guide to take you or you get permission from landowners as you have to cross through private property to reach it.
For a viewing point of this magnificent waterfall you must first get down to Waipi’o Valley. You can either hike down (and then back up) one the country’s steepest gradient roads (at 37%), catch a ride with a local if you are lucky, or book a tour.
Do not attempt to drive down in your rental. One, your rental agreement probably doesn’t let you. Two, you need four-wheel-drive. And three, you could ruin the brakes and/or ruin the engine.
At the bottom of the steep road the fork going left is a 5-10min walk for a viewing point of Hi’ilawe Falls. This is as far as you can go without trespassing on private property so soak in the view and get out the maximum zoom on your camera.
If there has been a lot of rain lately you might see Kaluahine Falls. From the black sand beach (which you will inevitably be visiting after that horrendous hike down), go towards the cliff where the Waipi’o Lookout parking lot is and follow the boulders, at low tide, for less than 0.5-miles. If Kaluahine Falls is flowing, you will see it cascading nearly into the ocean.
Beyond Kaluahine, you can scramble your way a mile or two over rocks getting pounded by the ocean waves and eventually to Waiulili Falls. Probably not worth the treacherous trek, but it’s there all the same.
For the adventurous and fit hiker, if you plan ahead, you can tack on Wai’ilikahi Falls to this waterfall excursion.
3. Ka’ahakini Falls
Park-and-Look / Swimmable
Admission: Free
Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, grassy park
It is here that a small but beautifully serene waterfall resides. After traversing along Ka’ahakini Stream the waterfall gracefully makes its way down from the tropical forest before joining the other stream.
It is possible to swim next to this waterfall, the water isn’t too deep and it’s relatively calm. It might be a bit anti-climatic since it’s not that tall.
The park’s expansive lawn is a perfect place to picnic with this unnamed Big Island waterfall as a backdrop.
4. Kohala Waterfalls
Easy hiking / Swimmable
Admission: yes
Hawaii Forest & Trail has a Kohala Waterfalls Adventure tour that takes you on an easy waterfall excursion. They will guide you through 2-miles of a private nature reserve, passing by 7 waterfalls along the way, and ending with a dip at the base of the last one.
You’ll ride in a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the trailhead and eat a picnic lunch with soaring ocean cliff views.
Since the waterfall trail is on private land, taking this tour is the only way of viewing these Kohala falls. That also means you’ll have the falls to just your small tour group and you’ll see Big Island waterfalls that most other visitors won’t experience.
5. Kulaniapia Falls
Park-and-Look / Swimmable
Admission: Yes
Amenities: Hotel, farm-to-table cooking class, nature walk
In order to visit Kulaniapia Falls you’ll either need to book a tour or stay at their inn as it’s on private property.
The falls are about 120ft tall and cascade into an appealing pool perfect for swimming. The inn gives their guest stand up paddleboards and kayaks to paddle around the falls as well.
If you were to follow Waiau Stream from Kulaniapia Falls you would find it connects with Wailuku River, in between Pe’epe’e Falls and Rainbow Falls.
For a unique experience, The Inn at Kaluniapia Falls offers waterfall view rooms. Rates include breakfast, use of their watersports equipment, and access to their 22 acres of tropical nature.
If you are not staying on property you can book a waterfall rappelling tour or a farm-to-table cooking class with access to the falls afterward.
Wasabi Tours offers a Big Island waterfalls tour that includes swimming at Kulaniapia Falls if the weather permits.
6. Lower Hanapueo and Umauma Falls
Park-and-Look
Admission: Free
Amenities: None
As you are driving north on Hwy 19/Mamalohoa Hwy, you’ll see the turn for the Umauma Experience on Leopolino to the left. Pass that road and you’ll see an upcoming bridge. The best parking will be in the expansive pullout to the left of the road right before the bridge; park here.
You’ll then walk along the mauka side (mountain side) of the road on the bridge.
The stream below is Umauma Stream and you can see a waterfall not too far in the distance between the thick verdure. This is the last stop of Umauma Stream after coming downstream from Umauma Falls.
To the left you’ll see where Hanapueo Stream meets with Umauma, also in the form of a waterfall.
So here you get a two-for-one waterfall stop.
While the highway to your back is a little distracting, the scenery of the lush greenery and babbling waterfalls make up for it.
7. Nānue Falls
Park-and-Look and moderate hiking / Swimmable
Admission: Free
Amenities: None
After mile marker 18 on Hwy 19/Mamalohoa Hwy, turn left on Old Mamalohoa Hwy and turn right at the T. You’ll soon come to Nānue Stream Bridge, built in 1930. Find parking where you can along the road.
Nānue stream has many waterfalls, so I’m not sure if there is any ONE fall that constitutes Nānue Falls. But there is a partial view of one of them from the bridge.
To really experience the Nānue falls you’ll want to climb the riverbed upstream. The trail down to the stream is on the right side of the road, before you cross the bridge. You’ll be earning this waterfall by boulder hopping and facing spiders and mosquitoes.
The distance isn’t far but the timing will depend on your balance and non-slipping skills. Once you round the bend you’ll arrive at a swimmable Nānue Falls. There are more falls upstream but this is as far as we’ll go.
Dive into the refreshing, crisp pool under the falls. Those who are brave/stupid have also climbed up the cliff and jumped in. You’ll likely have it all to yourself since it takes actual work to reach here.
8-9. Onomea Falls and Boulder Creek Falls
Easy hiking
Admission: Adults – Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, 20 acres of sub-tropical garden trails, not wheelchair accessible
If you are a nature lover it might be worth the price of admission to see these waterfalls. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden likes to describe their property as a living classroom; there are plants from all over the world to discover and learn about.
Follow the park map to the two waterfalls.
Onomea Falls will be your first visit. After winding down the boardwalk path and hanging left you’ll come to a dead end and see this beaut.
Dan Lutkenhouse Sr, the founder of this park, discovered Onomea Falls while he was bushwhacking through the Onomea Valley after he bought it in 1977.
This multi-tiered waterfall crisscrosses over itself and poses like it’s auditioning for a yoga studio poster. It flows into a serene puddle before continuing downstream.
Continue along the paths wrapping around vegetation from around the world and you’ll come to Boulder Creek Falls. The view of this 15-foot fall is from the side and a little bit distant. The water crashes onto….well, boulders…and resumes meandering down Alakahi Stream.
10. Pe’epe’e Falls
Park-and-Look
Admission: Free
Amenities: Restroom, picnic table, grassy park, wheelchair accessible
Part of the Wailuku River State Park is Pe’epe’e Falls (Rainbow Falls is also part of the same park).
Park the car and walk the few hundred feet to the viewing platform. Below you will see the Boiling Pots (so named because when the river is full after a hard rain it churns like boiling water).
To the left, hiding behind a cliff you will see Pe’epe’e Falls. It’s not the best view but the Boiling Pots make up for it.
There used to be a path to get to the waterfall but it is currently gated off.
This is a good stop to tack on if you are visiting Rainbow Falls a mile down the road.
11. Rainbow Falls
Park-and-Look
Admission: Free
Amenities: Restroom, picnic table, wheelchair accessible
About a mile out of Hilo is this infamous Big Island waterfall. It is a park-and-look waterfall with wheelchair accessibility.
There is a viewing platform in front of the falls but I find the foliage too dense up there for a good spot. The better view is along the fence before going to it up the stairs.
Then to the left there is a short flight of steps to a viewing platform at the top of the falls.
If you arrive on a sunny morning, the sun will shine on the waterfall and create a rainbow at the base (big surprise there, considering the name!).
A wide-mouthed cave sits behind Rainbow Falls. Hina, the goddess of the moon and mother of the demigod Maui, is said to reside in this cave. And while tempting to find a way down to see the backside of water, it is unfortunately not allowed.
12. Six Tons
Park-and-Look and easy hiking / Swimmable
Admission: Free
Amenities: None
One of the last stops on the Pepe’ekeo 4 Mile Scenic Drive (or first stops, depending on which direction you start) is Six Tons. You’ll know you’ve reached it when you cross a wooden bridge with white rails.
Six Tons flows through a man-made tunnel and dumps Kawainui Stream into a swimmable pool. While this may not classify as an actual waterfall, the water flows hard enough to fake it and satisfy any Big Island waterfall hunters.
On the north end of the stream is a gravel pullout large enough for about three cars. On the east side there is a path that leads down to the stream where you can boulder hop to the pool. Some people jump off the platform-like boulder.
⬇ SECRET WATERFALL ALERT! ⬇
If you follow the path downstream, not 5 minutes away you’ll reach the top of a real waterfall with an incredible view down the rest of the stream. Carefully perch yourself on the boulders on top of this cliff that’s gotta be at least 80ft high and contemplate life, the universe, and everything.
If you know the name of this waterfall, please let me know!
13. Umauma Falls
Park-and-Look / Swimmable
Admission: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, handicap accessible, snacks for purchase
You do not need a reservation for admission to view Umauma Falls and the adjacent garden.
Once you purchase your tickets you can actually just drive through the park and right up to a viewing point of the waterfalls. Then if you want take a leisurely stroll through their meditation garden, observing the variety of native plants.
Enhance your visit with a Zip-n-Dip tour; ziplining across 9 courses over waterfalls and afterwards swimming in the pools below.
Just outside of the park there is a bridge that crosses Lower Umauma Falls. Not as impressive as inside the park but free.
14. Wai’ale Falls
Park-and-Look and moderate hiking / Swimmable
Admission: Free
Amenities: None
Another Big Island waterfall to stop on Wailuku River when visiting Rainbow Falls and Pe’epe’e Falls, Wai’ale Falls is just up the same river.
You can pull off to the shoulder by the bridge and view the two-tiered waterfall from the road. A wide, rocky island is sandwiched between the two tiers.
You’ll notice the water spilling over the edge is at a higher volume compared to the other waterfalls downstream. This is due to the porous lava rocks that line the river bed. As the water continues downstream, the rocks efficiently drain away the liquid.
The narrow, non-maintained trail to the right of the river has you ducking through tall grass, climbing up root steps, and slipping on fermenting fruit. But it’s all worth it!
Offshoots from the trail lead you to the pool below the falls, or follow the trail only about 0.5-miles to reach the top of the waterfall. Once you reach the top, to the right you might see three “secret” waterfalls converging into one pool.
Boulder hopping the wide, black rocks upstream makes you feel like you’re on a different planet.
Take a dip in the large waters below or the small pools above the falls.
15. Wai’ilikahi Falls
Important Note: As of February 2022, the road to Waipio Valley is closed to tourists indefinitely except by guided tours due to unsafe road conditions.
Difficult hiking / Swimmable
Admission: Free unless camping
Amenties: Pit toilets at campground
Wai’ilikahi Falls is located on the Muliwani Trail in Waimanu Valley. Starting from the Waipi’o Lookout parking lot it is about a 19-mile roundtrip difficult hike that only experienced hikers should pursue.
It is probably near impossible to do in a single day, most hikers camp overnight; the maximum length allowed is six consecutive nights. Camping permits for the 9 sites are required for the Waimanu campground. Each site is $12/nt for residents or $18/nt for non-residents.
You cannot park your car at the Waipi’o Lookout parking lot for more than 24hrs without risk of being towed. Waipi’o Valley Artworks (808-775-0958) is 0.5-miles from the parking lot and offers paid parking for $20/day. Call them to set that up.
You first have to descend the steep road to Waipi’o Valley and cross the beach to the opposite side of the valley. From there you access the Muliwani Trail which is minimally maintained and marked by pink flags.
The slippery, rocky trail switchbacks through gorges and hills, crossing 13 streams. Four emergency helipads are on the trail for maintenance and rescue.
After the rough hike, you’ll be rewarded with Wai’ilikahi Falls, a 1,080ft waterfall cascading in multi-tiers down a mossy cliff. The large pool beneath is swimmable.
Big Island Waterfalls Road Trip Itinerary
If you want a jam-packed waterfall road trip, this itinerary will lead you to see a doable amount in one day.
Begin as early in the day as possible to maximize daylight and allow for additional or extended stops along the way.
Starting from Hilo:
Rainbow Falls
Pe’epe’e Falls
Wai’ale Falls
Onomea & Boulder Creek Falls at the Tropical Biopreserve
Six Tons
Akaka Falls
Ka’ahakini Falls
Lower Hanapueo Falls
Nānue Falls
Umaumau Falls at the Umaumau Experience
Check out these other Big Island road trip itineraries:
South Point
Big Island at Night
Guided Tours to See Big Island Waterfalls
There are many ways of seeing Big Island waterfalls besides driving and hiking yourself. Take a tour to get access to private waterfalls, experience them from different points of view, and let someone else deal with the logistics.
Wasabi Tours Waipi’o Valley and Waterfalls Tour
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 🕑Start Time: 7:00am ⏳Tour Length: 10 hrs
The tour picks you up from Kona/Kohala area and makes its first stop at Waipi’o Valley, for a breathtaking view of the infamous valley and beach below. Next you’ll visit Akaka Falls and if weather permits a swim beneath Kulaniapia Falls.
Enjoy a stroll through a botanical garden with two waterfalls within the park, Onomea and Boulder Creek. Lastly you’ll visit Rainbow Falls before crossing by the world’s tallest sea mountain Mauna Kea on Saddle Road.
The Wasabi Tours Waipi’o Valley and Waterfalls Tour includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Luxury Mercedes Sprinter Van Transportation
- Small group with max 12ppl
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- For people 4yrs old and up
What past guests have said:
“So much is packed into this all day trip! I am very impressed with this full day tour from the ease of booking, to the communications and Follow-up emails to accurate on time pickup. Drue our tour guide is simply the best a person could ask for! So fun, informative and really made sure each person was having their best time! Highly recommend this tour and especially if you get Drue. His attention to detail really made the trip!” – Alison (read more reviews)
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 🕑Start Time: 6:50am ⏳Tour Length: 7 hrs
The tour picks you up in Kona/Waikoloa area and brings you to a private reserve via 4WD to a trailhead where you will hike an easy 2-mile trail passing 7 waterfalls. At the last waterfall you may take a swim in the pool below. Lunch is provided with a sea cliff view.
The Hawaii Forest & Trail Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Tour includes:
- Small group with max 12ppl
- Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off
- Professional, Knowledgeable Guide
- Refillable water to fill your own bottle
- Lunch
- Walking sticks, daypacks, rain gear, bug repellent, and sunscreen
- Local taxes
What past guests have said:
“We had the nicest, handsome tour guide. Rob took us to all the waterfalls and the extra waterfall inside the cave. Rob was also knowledgeable about the trail. The water view from the picnic area was phenomenal. I would recommend this tour if you visit Kona.” – Lea (read more reviews)
Paradise Helicopters Doors-Off Tour of Kohala Valleys and Waterfalls
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 🕑Start Time: 8:00am-4:00pm ⏳Tour Length: 35 min
The tour leaves from Waimea airport and takes you to see Big Island waterfalls around the Kohala valley and coast. With the doors off on this helicopter ride you will have uninhibited views of cascading waterfalls down sheer verdant cliffs.
These are views you couldn’t see even if you hiked to them! And all from the comfort of your seat high above the ground.
The Paradise Helicopters Doors-Off Tour of Kohala Valleys and Waterfalls includes:
- Small group with max 4ppl
- Two-way headset communication with pilot
- Live commentary from knowledgeable guide
- Fuel surcharge, landing and facility fees
What past guests have said:
“Highly recommend! My husband and I decided to book this tour for our honeymoon and my birthday as a treat. I am absolutely terrified of heights, but am so happy I pushed myself to go. Our pilot Matt made me feel extremely comfortable and was super informative. Check in was great and the staff was so nice!” – Hannah (read more reviews)
Kulaniapia Falls Rappelling Adventure
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 🕑Start Time: 9:30am or 2:00pm ⏳Tour Length: 2-3 hrs
Get up close and personal with Kulaniapia Falls and scale down next to the rushing water 120 feet tall. You’ll be outfitted with all the necessary equipment and given instruction and practice on how to safely descend the wet, rocky cliff.
I bet you didn’t know you wanted to rappel down a waterfall until now!
The Kulaniapia Falls Rappelling Adventure includes:
- Professional guide
- All necessary safety equipment
- Small group, max 8ppl
- For people 10yrs old and up
- For people 70-240lbs (for safety)
What past guests have said:
“This was such a great experience that my dad and I got to do together! Repelling down this waterfall was nothing like I’ve ever experienced before and I would recommend it to anyone thinking about staying in Hilo! This was a magical experience that I will never forget. Thank you!” – Malone (read more reviews)
Hilo Zipline Over KoleKole Falls with Hawaii Zipline Tours
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 🕑Start Time: 9:00am-3:30pm ⏳Tour Length: 2.5 hrs
This 7-line zipline tour will take you soaring over privately owned Kolekole Falls, just a little downstream from Akaka Falls. Walk through fruit trees and swinging bridges in between lines.
The final line is one of the longest in the US at 2,400ft (almost half a mile!) and passes over the 250ft waterfall below.
The Hilo Zipline Over KoleKole Falls with Hawaii Zipline Tours includes:
- All necessary safety equipment
- Fun and professional guide
- For people between 80-260lbs (for safety)
- Small group, max 15ppl
What past guests have said:
“Awesome views and entertaining guides! Well worth it! The waterfall views are beautiful. I would recommend it.” – Billy (read more reviews)
Sleep Next to Big Island Waterfalls
Upgrade your Big Island stay by sleeping next to a waterfall!
Listen to the sounds of Kulaniapia Falls out your window as you drift off to a comfortable slumber after a day of chasing waterfalls.
Heavenly Enchanting Waterfall in Hilo VRBO
Rent a 2 bedroom, 2-level cottage surrounded by lush rainforest next to the Kikala stream with your own private swimmable waterfall.
Epilogue: Waterfalls on the Big Island
The Big Island is full of so many waterfalls, including some swimmable waterfalls. There’s even more than what’s listed here. Unfortunately most of them are inaccessible due to their location or they are on private land. Ask permission from the landowners, they might let you through.
If you know of Big Island waterfalls that should be added to the list, please let me know!
🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺
🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
